Ian Ward

Ian James Ward (born 30 September 1972) is a British broadcaster and former professional cricketer. A left-handed batsman and occasional right-arm medium bowler for Surrey and Sussex, Ward played 5 times for the England Test team all in 2001 under the captaincy of future Sky sports colleague Nasser Hussain. Since retiring from professional cricket in 2005, he has worked for Sky Sports as a cricket commentator and presenter.

Playing career Ward made his professional debut for Surrey in 1992, but was released by the county at the end of the 1992 season, aged 20. Without a county for the following five years, he worked as a petrol station attendant, barman and aircraft cleaner, while continuing to play club cricket. He retained his place, however, for the beginning of the 2001 Ashes series against Australia. Ward made 23 and 3 runs in the first Test of the series at Edgbaston, before scoring 23* and a duck in the second Test at Lord's. His final Test appearance came in the third match of the 2001 Ashes series at Trent Bridge, scoring 6 and 13 runs. England lost the Test by 7 wickets, which meant Australia retained The Ashes with two Tests to spare.

Having scored 6,923 runs for Surrey at an average of 40.01, including 17 centuries, Ward left the county for a second time in 2003, opting to join Sussex for the 2004 season. After scoring a further 6 centuries across two seasons, he announced his retirement from professional cricket in 2005, in order to pursue a career in broadcasting.

In 2020, Ward succeeded Gower as the primary presenter of international cricket on Sky Sports.